Why is PAS silent on MCA's local election call, questions DAP MP

Summary

• DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng accuses PAS of hypocrisy for remaining silent on MCA’s call to reinstate local election in Kuala Lumpur, despite PAS previously opposing a similar proposal by DAP.

• He suggests that PAS and MCA might be secretly colluding, using racial issues to serve their political agendas.

A DAP MP has questioned PAS’ silence on MCA president Wee Ka Siong’s call for the government to reinstate local election in Kuala Lumpur.

Lim Lip Eng stated that this stands in stark contrast to PAS’ previous vocal opposition to a similar proposal from DAP just months ago.

At the time, PAS strongly opposed the idea, invoking the May 13 tragedy to scare the public with outdated racial rhetoric, Lim said.

However, he noted that when MCA made the same request, PAS chose to keep mum.

“Clearly, PAS and MCA only exploit racial issues when it suits their political agenda.

“If PAS truly stood by its principles of opposing local election, why did they not challenge MCA the same way they did with DAP?

“Does PAS’ ‘principle’ not exist, or is it merely a tool used when it benefits them politically?”

Lim also questioned whether PAS and MCA, which are on opposing sides in Parliament, have been secretly colluding and using racial issues to further their own agendas.

“This is not about championing the rakyat or seeking justice. PAS and MCA are nothing more than opportunistic politicians who are willing to stoke racial tensions when it serves their interests but remain silent when their allies are involved,” he added.

Long contentious issue

The call for the restoration of local council election, which was suspended following the 1969 racial riots, has been a contentious issue for many years.

Proponents argue it would give residents a stronger voice in local governance, while opponents fear it could stir racial tensions and destabilise the political climate.

Earlier this week, Wee called for local election in Kuala Lumpur, noting the lack of elected people’s representatives in the city aside from MPs.

“Conducting local election would allow more elected representatives (local councillors) to assist MPs in addressing local livelihood issues and solving community concerns,” he argued.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Local governments and elections

In October last year, the Federal Territories DAP urged the government to reform the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) by allowing the appointment of councillors.

It previously also urged the government to reinstate local government election in the nation’s capital.

The call courted widespread backlash from political foes and friends alike, as well as a police report from the Federal Territories PAS Youth.

In December 2023, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming dismissed the restoration of local government election as a priority.

Nga stressed that he is “always in touch” with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa over the matter.

Zaliha previously pledged to hold discussions with Nga on the matter and pointed out there are more pertinent issues that need to be prioritised, including governance of strata properties.

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